Popular artist-activist DJ "Bubbles" killed in San Francisco's Tenderloin district

SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)-- A man fatally shot this weekend in San Francisco has been identified by the medical examiner's office as LGBTQ activist, disc jockey and gender-nonconforming performer Anthony Torres, better known to many as Bubbles.

Torres, 44, was shot shortly before 3 a.m. Saturday in the area of Myrtle and Larkin streets, according to police.

Friends have said online that the shooting occurred near the New Century Theater, a strip club on Larkin near Myrtle. One report on Facebook indicated the gunman may have come out of the club, but police have not
confirmed those details.

The area is also close to The Gangway, a popular gay bar, and RS94109, a record store where friends said Torres sometimes DJed.

Torres, known for wearing colorful women's clothing, was a popular figure in the local party and club scene. A vigil was held Sunday night at the location where he died, and Supervisor Jane Kim issued a statement on
Facebook describing herself as "heartbroken" by the death.

"We need more Bubbles in San Francisco, not less," Kim said. "Let us continue his legacy of big, generous personalities which define our neighborhoods and city. Rest in Power Bubbles."

Police issued a statement Sunday night saying the shooting did not appear to be a hate crime but was under investigation. No arrests have been reported as of this morning.